Manhole cover



1943. H. WIRZ, JR 2 ,323,886

MANHOLE COVER Filed March 21, 1941 INVENTOR. v Herman Wir'z Jr.

VBY

Patented July 13, 1943 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MANHOLE COVER Herman Wirz, In, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application March 21, 1941, Serial No. 384,513

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in manhole covers.

The general object of the invention is to provide a manhole cover which locks in closed position in a novel manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a locking manhole cover which will lock in whatever position it is placed in the manhole ring.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel latch mechanism for a manhole cover.

Other objects and the advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. l is a fragmentary central vertical section through my improved manhole cover.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary section taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary section taken on line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 1 showing the latch mechanism released and Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 5 showing the cover being removed from the ring.

Referring to the drawing by reference characters, I have indicated my improved manhole cover generally at H! and my improved manhole ring generally at I2. As shown the manhole cover l0 includes a flat topped circular body portion I3 which includes a downwardly extending flange l4 positioned a predetermined distance inward from the periphery of the body l3. The peripheral edge of the body I3 is preferably downwardly and inwardly bevelled a indicated at IS.

A predetermined distance above the bottom thereof the flange [4 has an integral lip portion Hi extending outwardly therefrom. Adjacent the inner side of the ring oposite the lip [6 a pair of spaced lugs I! extend downward from the lower face of the body l3.

Positioned between the lugs I! I provide an L shaped weighted latch operating member l8 pivotally mounted on a pin I9 which is supported by the lugs IT. The member I8 includes a tail portion 20 which extends away from the adjacent portion of the flange I 4 and includes enlarged weighted portions 2|. On the side of the member l8 opposite the tail portion 20 the member 58 extends upwardly and outwardly to form a tip portion 22. Intermediate the tip 22 and the pivot pin IS on each side thereof the member l8 includes a relieved portion 23 which tapers convergently upward and opens thru the top thereof.

Mounted on the member 18 I provide a latch bar which has an elongated slot 26 therein in which a portion of the member I8 is positioned. Below the pivot pin 19 and at the same side thereof as the tip 22 the member 18 and the latch bar 25 are pivctally connected by a pin 21. The latch bar 25 is slidable in an aperture 28 in the cover flange M. The lower face of the latch bar 25 at the free end thereof is curved downwardly and rearwardly as at 29. Intermediate the curved end 29 and the pin 21 the latch bar 25 has a boss 30 extending outwardly from each side thereof.

The weighted portions 2i of the member l8 normally urge the tip 22 thereof upwardly there-- by urging the latch bar 25 outwardly towards the adjacent portion of the flange M. Outward movement of the latch bar 25 is restricted by the bosses 30 which engage at the side of the aperture 28.

Above the latch operating member l8 the body l3 has an aperture 3| therein which is positioned approximately directly above the relieved portion 23 of the member I3. Extending inwardly from the aperture 3! the body l3 has an elongated recess 32 therein opening through the lower surface thereof.

Adjacent the body l3 and in line with the recess 32 the flange M has a reces 33 therein opening through the inner face thereof.

The manhole ring l2 includes a circular base portion 35 which has a reduced integral annular flange 36 extending upwardly therefrom and within the flange 36 the base includes a further reduced integral annular upwardly extending flange 31 which is of less height than the flange 36. The base 35 has a central circular aperture 38 therein which is of less diameter than the inner flange 3'! thereby forming a shelf 39. The upper face 39' of the flange 3! may be machined if desired and the lower face 40 of the flange l4 may be similarly machined so that a close fit will be secured.

Intermediate the top of the inner flange 31 and the top of the outer flange 36 the flange 36 includes an integral inwardly extending flange 40 which extends completely around the inner face of the flange 36. The under face of the flange 40 is horizontal while the upper surface thereof is preferably inclined as at 4|. The inner face 6| of the flange 40 may be machined if desired for a close fit.

To position the manhole cover In in a closed position on the manhole ring I2 an operator places the cover If) on and partly Within the flange 36 in a tilted position with the lip I6 directed downwardly and then moves the upwardly extending portion ofthe cover Ill downward thereby swinging the lip I6 upwardly to a position below the flange 40. Upon continued downward movement of the cover the flange 40 forces the curved end 29 of the latch bar 25 inward against the action of the latch operating member I8. After the latch bar 25 passes the flange 4B the member I8 moves the latch bar 25 outward to a position below the ring flange 46 thus preventing accidental removal of the cover II] from the ring I2.

When the cover I is fully lowered into an operating position it is supported by the bottom of the flange I4 engaging the top of the inner ring flange 31.

To release the manhole cover latch mechanism and remove the cover ID from the ring I2 I may provide a tool member 42 which comprises a length of metal rod which includes a shank portion 43 bent to form a curved hook portion 44 at one end thereof. Any desired type of handle (not shown) may be provided on the rod 43 adjacent the end thereof opposite hook 44.

To release the manhole cover latch mechanism an operator inserts the end of the hook portion 44 in the cover aperture 3I with the shank portion 43 overlying the adjacent edge of the cover. The operator then swings the shank 43 upward thereby swinging the end of the hook portion 44 downwardly and outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 5. As the hook portion is thus moved it engages the tip 22 of the member I8 and forces the tip 22 downward thereby swinging the weighted portions 2| upward. As the member I8 is thus moved it pulls the latch bar 25 inward and out from under the flange 40. Thereafter the operator lifts upward on the tool 42 raising the portion of the cover It) adjacent the latch mechanism to a position above the ring flange 4%. (See Fig. 6.) The operator then removes the tool 42 from the cover aperture 3| and the cover then remains in this position. The operator then turns the tool 42 around and again inserts the end of the hook portion 44 in the cover aperture 3| and swings the shank 43 downward as shown in Fig. 6 whereafter the operator may drag the manhole cover ID off of the ring I2.

Intermediate the weighted portions 2I the member I8 has an inclined groove 45 therein, opening through the top and rear thereof to provide clearance for the tool 42.

When it is desired to use a dustpan with my device the dustpan is adapted to be supported on the shelf 39. The relieved portions 23 prevent accumulation of dirt or obstructions.

From the following description it will be apparent that I have provided a novel locking manhole cover and associated ring member which are simple in construction and highly eflicient in use.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a manhole cover, a base having an upwardly extending outer annular flange thereon, said base having an inner annular flange spaced from and shorter than the outer annular flange, said outer flange having an inwardly extending annular flange intermediate its height, said inwardly extending flange having a downwardly inclined upper surface, a cover having a downwardly extending flange spaced from the outer edge thereof and receivable within said inwardly directed flange and resting upon the said inner flange, said cover having a short lip normally arranged beneath said inwardly directed annular flange on one side thereof, a pair of spaced lugs depending from said cover, a pivot pin supported by said lugs, and a weight member pivotally engaging said pin, an outwardly directed dog pivotally attached to said weight member adjacent the bottom thereof, said cover flange having a slot therein, said dog passing through said slot and being normally arranged beneath said inwardly extending flange, said dog having bosses thereon to limit the movement of the dog into the slot, said weight member including a portion disposed to urge said dog outwardly, said cover having a hole therethrough and said weight member having a tip portion remote from the weight portion and disposed beneath said hole, said cover having an elongated removing tool receiving recess in the lower surface thereof and extending from said hole, said Weight member being relieved at each side thereof at a location beneath said hole, the top of said weight member having a tool receiving groove therein.

2. In a manhole cover, a base having an upwardly extending annular flange thereon, said upwardly extending flange having an inwardly extending annular flange thereon, a cover having a downwardly extending flange received within said inwardly directed flange, a weight member, said cover having a short lip normally disposed beneath said inwardly directed flange, means to pivotally support said weight member on said cover, a dog member, means to pivotally mount said dog member on said weight member at one side of the axis of the pivotal mounting of the weight member and adjacent to the bottom of the weight member, said downwardly extending flange cover having a slot therein, said dog passing through said slot and being normally arranged beneath said inwardly extending flange, said weight member including a weight portion arranged thereon at the other side of the axis of the pivotal mounting of the weight member and disposed to urge said dog outwardly, said cover having a hole therethrough and said weight member having a tip portion above said dog and remote from the weight portion and disposed beneath said hole.

3. In a manhole cover, a base having an upwardly extending outer annular flange thereon, said flange having an inwardly extending annular flange intermediate its height, a cover having a downwardly extending flange spaced from the outer edge thereof and receivable within said inwardly directed flange circumferentially extending, said cover having a short lip normally arranged beneath said inwardly directed annular flange on one side thereof, and a weight member pivotally supported beneath said cover and remote from said lip, an outwardly directed dog pivotally attached to said weight member, said cover flange having a slot therein, said dog passing through said slot and being normally arranged beneath said inwardly extending flange, said weight member including a portion disposed to urge said dog outwardly, said cover having a hole therethrough and said weight member having a tip portion remote from the Weight portion and disposed beneath said hole.

4. In a manhole cover, a base having an upwardly extending annular flange thereon, said flange having an inwardly extending annular flange intermediate its height, a cover having a downwardly extending flange spaced from the outer edge thereof and receivable within said inwardly directed flange circumferentially extending, said cover having a short lip normally arranged beneath said inwardly directed annular flange on one side thereof, and a weight member pivotally supported beneath said cover and remote from said lip, an outwardly directed dog pivotally attached to said weight member, said cover flange having a slot therein, said dog passing through said slot and being normally arranged beneath said inwardly extending flange, said weight member including a portion disposed to urge said dog outwardly, said cover having a hole therethrough and said weight member having a tip portion remote from the weight portion and disposed beneath said hole, said weight member being relieved at each side thereof at a location beneath said hole, the top of said weight member having a tool receiving groove therein.

5. In a manhole cover, a base having an upwardly extending outer annular flange thereon, said base having an inner annular flange spaced from and shorter than the outer annular flange, said outer flange having an inwardly extending annular flange intermediate its height, said inwardly extending flange having a downwardly inclined upper surface, a cover having a downwardl extending flange spaced from. the outer edge thereof and receivable within said inwardly directed flange circumferentially extending and resting upon the said inner flange, said cover having a short lip normally arranged beneath said inwardly directed annular flange on one side thereof, and a weight member pivotally supported beneath said cover and arranged diametrically opposite to said lip, an outwardly directed dog pivotally attached to said weight member adjacent the lower end of the weight member, said cover flange having a slot therein, said dog passing through said slot and being normally arranged beneath said inwardly extending flange,

' means to limit the movement of the dog into the slot, said weight member including a portion disposed to urge said dog outwardly, said cover having a hole therethrough and said weight member having a tip portion remote from the weight portion and disposed beneath said hole, said cover having an elongated removing tool receiving recess in the lower surface thereof and extending from said hole, said weight member being relieved at each side thereof at a location beneath said hole, the top of said weight member having a tool receiving groove therein.

6. In a manhole cover, a base having a relatively short, inner, upwardly directed flange and a relatively long outer, upwardly extending, annular flange thereon; said flanges being coaxial, said outer flange having an inwardly extending annular flange intermediate the length of the sidewall thereof, a cover having a downwardly extending flange spaced from the outer edge of the cover and arranged within said inwardly directed flange, a pair of spaced lugs depending from said cover, a pivot pin supported by said lugs, a radially disposed weight member pivotally engaging said pin, said weight member including a body having a tail portion disposed at the inner end thereof, said tail portion including a weighted portion, said weight member body on the outer end thereof and outside of and below said pivot pin having a tip portion, each side of said weight member body between the tip portion and the pivot pin including a relieved portion which is open at the top of the body, said cover flange having a slot therein, a latch bar slidable through said slot, and a pin on said weight member body and pivotally supporting one end portion of said latch bar, said latch bar pin being disposed below said weight member pivot pin and below said relieved portions, the other end of said latch bar being engaged beneath said inwardly extending flange, said cover having a hole therethrough arranged above said relieved portions, said cover having an elongated recess therein opening through the lower surface thereof, said recess intersecting said cover aperture, and means on said cover remote from said weight member and disposed beneath said inwardly extending annular flange to prevent upward movement of said cover.

HERMAN WIRZ, JR. 

